Deletions in the short arm of chromosome 8 are present in up to 90% of human colorectal cancer cell lines

Abstract
Cytogenetic analyses of human colon cancer cells have revealed non‐random deletions in chromosome arm 8p, among other chromosomal changes. By using 8p‐specific DNA probes we could identify allelic loss in 87% of colon cancer cell lines. Corresponding analyses in direct preparations of colon tumor tissues revealed a minimal value of 40% of allelic loss but were obstructed in many instances by contaminating normal tissue. These findings add to the number of non‐random genetic alterations occurring during colon carcinogenesis.